Child Safety Seat Inspections

Free Child Safety Seat Inspections

The El Cerrito Police and Fire Departments are committed to service, safety,
and enhancing the public trust through professionalism and leadership. Drivers are responsible for proper installation of child safety seats. Since the correct installation of a child restraint system can be a challenge, the City of El Cerrito offers free child safety seat inspections for El Cerrito residents only. Three Fire Department personnel and two traffic officer from the Police Department are trained Child Safety Seat Technicians.

El Cerrito residents who have installation problems or are unsure if their child safety seat is properly installed can contact the El Cerrito Fire Department or the El Cerrito Police Department for a free inspection. You can have car seats checked at all three El Cerrito/Kensington fire stations by appointment at 510-215-4450 or email the Fire Department; or drop in and if the Fire Department is not busy with calls for service or other duties, arrangements will be made for the inspection.

You can also schedule an appointment with the Police Department Mondays through Fridays only. Call the Police Department Administrative Office during business hours at 510-215-4400 to schedule the inspection.

Preparing for your appointment

Please arrive at your appointment with the car seat installed and if possible, bring your car seat's instructions. Having the child present is best. However, if this is not possible, we are still able to check your car seat's installation.

Contra Costa Car Seat Safety Coalition

The Police Department and Fire Department are member agencies of the Child Seat Safety Coalition sponsored by John Muir Health. Throughout the year, the Coalition sponsors child safety seat checkpoints at various locations. Visit the John Muir Health Child Safety Coalition webpage to find an upcoming safety seat checkpoint, or call 1-877-CARSEAT.

Properly installed child safety seats are critical for the survival of an infant or toddler involved in a car crash. For information about infant (rear-facing) and toddler (forward facing) safety seats, as well as booster seats, visit the Safe Kids Worldwide's website.